Allentown

It was in 1762 that a little settlement of 12 cabins, which founder William Allen called "Northampton Towne," became officially registered as a location after a storekeeper there gave birth. And it was John Adams who passed through it as a small farming village in 1777, and called the place "Allen's Town." It's hard to imagine these humble beginnings gave way to era after era of change, and resulted in the bustling, diverse center we now call home. The population has expanded from predominantly Northern European – particularly German – to today's mix of Hispanic, Asian, African and Middle Eastern people. The landscape is different, too, with the busy sidewalks and storefronts of the 1930s, '40s and '50s, transformed into loft apartments, restaurants, office buildings and soon, a huge sports arena complex that will be home to the American Hockey League's Phantoms team. More planned changes to downtown would extend the Arts Walk and add more businesses and apartments. Here are some highlights in the city's varied history: